Family-friendly annual festivals

Wildquack Duck River Festival & Jackson Cake Boss Competition
When: Sunday, May 27, 2018
Where: Jackson Village, Jackson, NH
More information: visit www.jacksonnh.com or call 603-383-9356
About: More than 3,000 yellow ducks float their way down the Wildcat River to the finish line where those holding winning tickets compete for $2,500 and great prizes like spa packages. Jackson’s Cake Boss contest draws bakers and pastry chefs from around the region competing with their most outlandish cake creations. Food vendors, kids’ games.

Market Square Day
When: Saturday, June 8, 2018
Where: Market Square in Downtown Portsmouth, NH
More information: www.proportsmouth.org or call 603-433-4398
About: This event has all of the things you love about a street fair – food, live entertainment, hundreds of craft booths and much more. The event kicks off with the Market Square Day 10K Road Race.

American Independence Festival
When: Saturday, July 14, 2018
Where: American Independence Museum
1 Governor's Lane in Exeter, NH
More information: independencemuseum.org
About: Step back in time as your family roam the Museum’s grounds to see colonial living in action, learn to muster, play colonial games, enjoy re-enactments, explore the artian's village and more.

Suncook Valley Rotary Hot Air Balloon Rally
When: Friday, August 3 through Sunday, August 5, 2018
Where: Drake Field on Route 28 in Pittsfield, NH
More information: facebook.com/PittsfieldRotaryBalloonRally
About: This is a free event with free entertainment. Check out the hot air balloons, super night glow, pancake breakfast, carnival and midway rides,food, live entertainment and fireworks.

League of New Hampshire Craftsmen’s Fair
When: August 4 through August 12, 2018
Where: Mount Sunapee Resort in Newbury, NH
More information: www.nhcrafts.org or call 603-224-3375
About: More than 350 crafts-people showcase their work at the Craftsmen’s Fair. If it’s made by hand, you can find it here — jewelry, textiles, wood, furniture, glass, pottery and much more. Don’t forget to pick up a limited-edition annual holiday ornament.

Hampton Beach Children’s Festival
When: Monday, August 13 – Friday, August 17, 2018
Where: Ocean Boulevard (Hampton Beach boardwalk) in Hampton, NH
More information: hamptonbeach.org/events/childrens-events/
About: A week's worth of free fun and events for the kids all leading up to a costume parade on Friday.

North Country Moose Festival
When: Friday, August 24 – Saturday, August 25, 2018
Where: Downtown Colebrook, NH
More information: www.northcountrychamber.org or call 603-237-8939
About: The North Country Moose Festival weekend-long event includes craft booths, classic car show and a moose-calling contest along with food and live entertainment.

Auburn Day and 26th Annual Duck Race
When: Saturday, September 8, 2018
Where: Auburn Village (by the school and library) in Auburn, NH
More information: www.auburnhistorical.org
About: In addition to the famous duck race, visitors can enjoy the Salmon Falls apple pie contest, Duckling Dash 5k, Pretty Chicken Contest, New Hampshire artisans, crafters and vendors, children’s activities, food and more.

New Hampshire Highland Games
When: Friday, September 21 – Sunday, September 23, 2018
Where: Loon Mountain on Route 112 in Lincoln, NH
More information: www.nhscot.org
About: Watch traditional highland games as well as enjoy live music, demonstrations and special kids events like storytelling, crafts, games and the junior games.

Annual Fairy House Tour
When: Saturday, September 22 and Sunday, September 23, 2018
Where: The grounds of the Governor John Langdon House, Strawbery Banke Museum, Prescott Park and Pierce Island in Portsmouth, NH
More information: portsmouthfairyhousetour.com
About: Bring your kids and enjoy the world's largest fairy house tour.

34th Annual WOKQ Chowder Festival
When: Saturday, June 2, 2018
Where: Prescott Park in Portsmouth, NH
More information: prescottpark.org
About: Each year, more than 4,000 people help kick off the Prescott Park Arts Festival summer season by enjoying more than 500 gallons of piping hot chowder served up for tasting.

17th Annual Best of NH Party
When: Thursday, June 14, 2018
Where: Northeast Delta Dental Stadium, 1 Line Drive in Manchester, NH
More information: www.bestofnh.com
About: The annual Best of NH Party is a tasting event that celebrates New Hampshire Magazine's readers' poll and editor's pick winners. More than 60 booths will have award-winning food and beverages and there is also live music and entertainment.

Rock’n Ribfest
When: Friday, June 15 through Sunday, June 17, 2018
Where: Anheuser-Busch Brewery, Merrimack, NH
More information: www.ribfestnh.com
About: The Rock’n Ribfest has local “ribbers” serving up barbecued ribs and other specialties, competing for the New Hampshire State Barbeque Champion title. Live music, children’s activities.

Fire on the Mountain Chili Fest
When: Sunday, August 19, 2018
Where: Pat’s Peak Ski Area, Flanders Road, Henniker, NH
More information: http://chilinewhampshire.org
About: Head to Pat's Peak for a celebration of all things spicy and hot. This is an annual fundraiser for the Henniker Rotary Club.

Hampton Beach Seafood Festival
When: Friday, September 7 through Sunday, September 9, 2018
Where: Hampton Beach on Ocean Boulevard in Hampton, NH
More information: www.hamptonbeachseafoodfestival.com
About: The only place you’ll find fresher seafood and more variety is in the ocean itself! This festival features 60 of the Seacoast’s top restaurants serving everything from fried clams to lobster along with landlubber fare like BBQ ribs, onion blossoms and desserts. Craft vendors, music and fireworks add to this not-to-miss event.

ParentingNH

We did it again!

We are proud to announce that we were honored with 7 gold awards and a bronze award by the Parenting Media Association at its annual Design and Editorial Awards Competition. This marks the 11th year in a row that Parenting New Hampshire has been honored by PMA, and we are pumped! Read more here.